New Delhi, Feb. 11 -- Have you ever found yourself alone and felt a pang of loneliness or did you relish the quiet moment as a chance to recharge? The way you perceive solitude - whether as 'me-time' or 'isolation' - can significantly impact your emotional well-being, according to a recent study published in Cognition and Emotion. [Also read: Easy and effective strategies for overcoming loneliness]

Spending time alone is a universal experience but whether it feels empowering or lonely largely depends on how we frame it. While solitude can be an opportunity for self-reflection, relaxation or creativity, it can also feel isolating and unwelcome if perceived negatively.

Micaela Rodriguez and Scott W Campbell, researchers behind the new stu...